Google Messages is set to enhance its user experience with the introduction of a swipe-through media viewer, designed for more convenient browsing of photos and videos. A new media overview section will allow users to easily locate all shared media within their chats.
These updates aim to align Google Messages with the features offered by other well-known messaging apps. One of the significant changes Google has made in recent years is the integration of Rich Communication Services (RCS) into the Messages app.
However, even with RCS support, many users still prefer apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. To address this, Google is actively developing additional features to enhance the messaging experience further.
Earlier in the year, Google was identified as testing threaded replies specifically for media items, although this feature has not yet been rolled out to the general public. Recently, details emerged regarding another anticipated feature thanks to an APK teardown by Android Authority.
This potential update would enable users to swipe through media items directly within conversations. Currently, when users receive media items, interactions require them to return to the main conversation each time, creating a less-than-ideal browsing experience.
The new swipe interface aims to change this by allowing users to view older items with a right swipe and newer ones with a left swipe. It also includes emojis for reactions and a chat icon for threaded replies.
Additionally, to assist users in locating older shared media, Google is developing a media overview section in chat details. Similar to WhatsApp, this feature will provide a centralized location to access all shared content quickly.
It’s important to remember that these updates are still under development, meaning the final implementation may differ from what we see now. If executed correctly, these changes could significantly enhance user engagement with Google Messages.
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